Safety

Our department observes essential health and safety requirements that apply to all our staff and students.

Laboratory use and safety

Everyone is required to follow, and be familiar with the Chemical and Materials Engineering safety guide, which lists all requirements and the necessary forms on a each research laboratory in the department on a case-by-case basis.

MSDS database

A Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) database is available via the University of Auckland Library.

General safety

  • At all times, explicitly follow the instructions in your laboratory manual, those given in lectures and by your laboratory supervisor(s)
  • For specific safety issues relating to any particular laboratory experiment please refer to your lab book, and/or lecturers and laboratory supervisor


Dress code

The following must be worn in order for you be allowed to do laboratory work in the department:

  • Closed shoes - no open-toed footwear of any kind or bare feet
  • Safety glasses - normal spectacles are not acceptable
  • Laboratory coat

If you do not have closed shoes, safety glasses and a lab coat, you will be denied access to the laboratory. You will then need to arrange another time (if spaces are available) to do the lab.

Remember: Doing laboratory work is a course requirement - you cannot complete a course without completing the laboratories.

Safety objectives and plan

We aim to have a zero harm workplace by establishing a culture of safety. We achieve this by regularly improving and changing the workplace so that our health and safety teaching and practice:

  • Meets or exceeds our own culture, policies and rules
    Meets or exceeds the health and safety standards required by The University of Auckland
  • Meets or exceeds the standards required by the HSNO exempt lab regulations
  • Meets or exceeds the health and safety requirements of our accrediting professional institutions (IChemE and Engineering NZ)
  • Incorporates the suggestions made by our Industry Advisory Board